FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)

Who do I contact to get my defective projector replaced?

1. Dell Projector User's Guide
2. Power and Installation Procedures
3. Boot Screen
4. Acquiring Signal
5. Press the power button to power off the projector
6. Additional power issues
7. Image Problem
8. Remote Control
9. Tilted Image
10. Image Quality
11. Lamp
12. Temperature
13. Fan Noise
14. Temperature Acclimation
15. Safety Instructions
16. No sound
17. Factory Resets
18. Video Diagnostics
19. FN F8 Usage
20. Replacement bulbs/lamps
21. Maintenance
22. Ceiling Mount Kit
23. Projector request CD
24. Dell Projector Comparison Chart
25. Powerpoint issues
26. Image thrown too high when on table

1. Dell Projector User's Guide
Go here

2. Power and Installation Procedures
* Prior to powering on the projector, the input video cable should be plugged into the source device (i.e. notebook) and projector. The primary cable used for connecting the projector to a notebook will be the VGA to VGA cable.
* Once the power and video cable are plugged in, check the power button to ensure that power is being supplied to the projector. The power button LED should be blinking when in a power off or standby mode

3. Boot Screen
* Press the power button to turn on the projector. The fan should cut on, and the boot screen should appear
* When the loading screen appears, a timer will count down from 30 seconds, indicating loading time for the firmware. Once the Countdown is completed the projector will search for an input device
* Once the boot page has finished loading the power button LED should have a steady green and an image should appear. If the computer is not yet powered on, or synchronized to display output, this screen will most likely appear next
* At this point, power on the notebook or source device. If it's already on, toggle the display output in order to display out to the projector

4. Acquiring Signal
* Once the input source is detected by the projector, an "acquiring signal" message will appear briefly at the lower right corner of the image. Once the image synchronization has occurred, the projector should now display the desired image
* If the Acquiring Signal screen appears instead of the projection image:
Reseat the cables. If multiple input source cables are connected, select the source type via the Source button
* If the "(Input signal) Mode not supported" message appears, try to re-synchronize the input signal. Also, reseat the source cable. If this message remains, the source input may be set to a mode incompatible with the projector. The optimal resolution mode is 800 x 600

5. Press the power button to power off the projector
* A Power off the lamp? message will appear on screen for approximately five seconds
* Press the power button again to power off the projector. The cooling fans should run for an additional 30 seconds. Disconnect the power cord
Note:Let the projector cool for at least 2 minutes before storage

6. Additional power issues
* Check to ensure the power cord is securely plugged into the projector and an outlet
* Ensure that the power outlet is supplying power
* Check if the power button LED is blinking
* If the power button is amber, then the projector is in power standby mode. Simply press the power button to return to normal mode

7. Image Problem
* Check that the projector is displaying at least a Searching for Signal blue screen
* Check that the correct input source cable is being used and seated correctly to the projector and input device
* Avoid dual input source cables (i.e. S-video and VGA input from a notebook)
* Try the Source button or the Resync button to search for a valid input signal
* Try the Fn+F8 on Dell notebooks to send the video signal out to projector
* Mode not supported -- error can be caused by loose cable or incorrect resolution mode. Check both
* If the display resolution is below 800 x 600, or above 1280 x 1024, set the resolution to 800 x 600 for optimal output from the projector
* If the projector is being used as a secondary desktop (Extended desktop mode) ensure that there is enough video memory to support the resolution size
* If the input source is not a Dell computer, the vendor of the input device (i.e. camcorder) should be consulted for image output problems

8. Remote Control
* Try the Power/Standby button to determine if the remote can put the projector on standby
* Try the laser pointer to see if the batteries are working
* Check if pressing buttons causes the light on the remote to blink
* Point the remote control to the remote sensor on either the front or rear of the projector
* Move the remote at least 5 ft from the rear of the projector
* The projector remote (with the projector connected to the system via USB) does indeed just send the control codes for Page Up and Page Down -- it does not send PowerPoint-specific codes, or anything. Whatever Page Up and Page Down controls while PowerPoint is in a certain mode, the remote will do the same. If you are using "Show Presenter View," you can't control the slides using these keys. You would be controlling the speaker notes.

9. Tilted Image
* Adjust the elevator foot, or the image tilt foot on the projector.
* Adjust the keystone

10. Image Quality
* If the image is blurry, adjust the focus ring
* If the image is foggy or fuzzy, try cleaning the lens with a lint free, dry cloth
* If the image appears dim, try adjusting the brightness from the OSD menu
* If there is picture noise, try reseating the cable

11. Lamp
* If the lamp cover is not in place, the fan will not come on and no image will display
* If the Lamp light is constantly on, the lamp module is due for replacement
* When the lamp reaches its end of life, it will burn out and may make a loud popping sound. If this occurs, the projector will not turn back on until the lamp is replaced
* If the projector displays the Lamp may fail soon! Replacement suggested! message, lamp replacement may be necessary. If the lamp was recently replaced and the message still appears, enter the OSD menu to reset the lamp
* Go here for Dell lamps

12. Temperature
* Fan Fail message indicates a failed fan. The projector will need to be replaced
* Over Temperature- this message will appear if the projector has overheated
* The Temp led will also come on. Projector will go into a shutdown
* Upon a shutdown, restart projector after 10 few minutes
* If Temp LED remains on, the projector needs to be replaced

13. Fan Noise
* The fan will be on constantly while the projector is on to control the temperature. This is normal and does not signify a hardware failure

14. Temperature Acclimation
* If the projector is stored in extreme cold or hot environment, it should be acclimated to room temperature before the projector is used

15. Safety Instructions
* The lamp becomes very hot with use. Do not attempt to replace the lamp after use until the projector has been allowed to cool down for at least 30 minutes, and follow all instructions in "Changing the Lamp."
* Do not touch the bulb or the lamp glass at any time. The bulb may explode due to improper handling, including the touching of the bulb or the lamp glass
* Remove lens cap before turning on projector. Failure to do so may cause the lens cap to reach high temperatures
* To avoid damaging the projector and lamp, allow the cooling fan to run for 2 minutes before turning off the projector
* Do not block the ventilation slots and openings on the projector
* Disconnect the power cord from the electrical outlet if the projector is not used for a long period of time
* Do not use the projector in an extremely hot, cold, or humid environment
* Do not use the projector in areas susceptible to excessive dust and dirt
* Do not use the projector near any appliance that generates a strong magnetic field
* Do not place the projector in direct sunlight
* Do not look into the lens while the projector is on; the bright light may hurt your eyes
* To reduce the risk of fire or electric shock, do not expose the projector to rain or moisture
* To prevent electric shock, do not open or disassemble the projector further than what is needed for lamp replacement
* To avoid damaging the projector, ensure that the elevator foot is fully retracted before moving the projector or placing the projector in its carrying case
* Turn off the projector and disconnect it from the electrical outlet before cleaning it. Use a soft cloth moistened with mild detergent to clean the display housing. Do not use abrasive cleaners, waxes, or solvents

16. No sound
* The D-sub connection only allows image transmission from PC to projector. The USB connection only allows pointer control from projector to PC. You need to connect the audio cable for sound to be transmitted

17. Factory Resets -
* Factory reset your 1100 (page 21) and post the results

* Factory reset your 2100 and post the results

* Factory reset your 2200 and post the results

* Factory reset your 2300 and post the results

* Factory reset your 3100 and post the results

* Factory reset your 3200 and post the results

* Factory reset your 3300 and post the results

* Factory reset your 3400 and post the results

* Factory reset your 4100 and post the results

* Factory reset page 35 your 5100 and post the results

18. Video Diagnostics
* Run the self-diagnostic for video on the 1100 (page 25)

* Run the self-diagnostic for video on the 2100

* Run the self-diagnostic for video on the 2200

* Run the self-diagnostic for video on the 2300

* Run the self-diagnostic for video on the 3300

* Run the self-diagnostic for video on the 3400

* Run the self-diagnostic for video on the 4100

* Run the self-diagnostic for video page 48 on the 5100

19. FN F8 Usage
Pressing FN F8 once sends the signal to the projector
Pressing FN F8 twice sends the signal back to the system
Pressing FN F8 thrice sends the signal to both

20. Replacement bulbs/lamps
* Go here

21. Maintenance (accumulated dust causes the projectors to overheat and shutdown)
In every day use, make sure the High Altitude setting is on.
* Navigate to the Onscreen Menu
* Go to Management
* Set it to High Altitude. This turns on the second fan to allow better air circulation

Twice a month, do the following:
* Power the projector off
* Unplug the projector
* Open the Lamp Module cover on the bottom of the projector (remove the screws)
* Use a can of compressed air (ie.air duster) to blow out all the accumulated dust on the bulb and bulb surroundings. Do not touch the bulb with your hands
* Replace the cover and screws

22. Ceiling Mount Kits
* Walmart Ceiling Mounts

* How do I use the Dell-Branded Projector Ceiling Mount Kit?

* Go here for Chief Ceiling Mount Kits
* Click View by your projector model (1100, 1704FPV, 2100, 2200, 2300, 3100, 3200, 3300, 4100)

* Other Projector Wall and Ceiling Mounts

23. Projector request CD
Problem: The Dell 1100MP projector may request a driver CD when attached to a computer using the USB cable

Discussion: When attaching the USB cable from the Dell 1100MP projector to a computer, the Operation System will prompt for a driver CD to install the appropriate drivers to recognize the DDP2000 chipset. This chipset is part of the USB interface, which allows the use of the remote control. If you attempt to install the DDP2000 driver, it will fail and a "bang" will be placed in Device Manager

Solution: As a workaround, cancel the add new hardware wizard. The operation of the remote will not be affected by canceling the wizard. In the event that you attempted to install the driver, remove the entry from Device Manager. New firmware is being developed to address this issue

24. Dell Projector Comparison Chart
* Dell Projector Comparison Chart

25. Powerpoint issues
Press and hold the unique laptop key marked Fn. Then press the function key that selects internal/external/both video displays. This function key normally has either a single or double rectangle symbol (representing the video monitors). Then the video clip will be visible on the projector. The downside is you will see nothing on the laptop screen. If you are using windows XP...double check Slideshow- Set up Show- Multiple- Monitors is set to "Primary monitor". This option will be grayed out on systems with a single graphic card. Have a single output display active for the PowerPoint presentation.

Change your Primary monitor in Windows
To do this right click your desktop then select Properties. The last tab should be Settings... click that... then click Advanced.
What you see next will depend on your particular graphics card/chipset/driver software, but look for a "Monitor" or "Adapter" tab. You're after an option to switch your "Primary" and "Secondary" output. By default most laptops are set to use the internal LCD as primary. Once you switch then hit "Apply" and "Ok" and get back to your presentation. Try it again... video is output to your display for the audience... and you get a black box

26. Image thrown too high when on table
The 1100, 2100, 2200, 2300, 3100, 3200, 3300, 4100, 5100 Projectors are designed to be used with a ceiling mount with the buttons facing down. This throws the image down from the ceiling onto the wall. If you use these on a desktop with the buttons facing up towards the ceiling, the image is too high. All you can do to lower the image is to make sure the front arm is raised and prop up the rear of the projector. The 3400 is designed to be placed on a desktop.

Dell customer care/service. If already out of warranty, click here. Find your Service Tag
DELL-Chris M
#IWork4Dell

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Projectors

FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)